Sow in spring, grow in summer, harvest in autumn and store in winter. From past to present, the change of seasons is a natural cycle of life. Through this joint exhibition, “INKpression” puts together artworks by four artists where viewers can experience the unique characteristic and impression of each season.

The four artists, Tay Bak Chiang, Sherman Lin, Oh Chai Hoo, and He Chun Ye, share a similarity in using ink as their chosen medium in their creations. Their distinctive differences in composition, decorative forms and the use of medium show their constant pursuit and exploration in self-expression and artistic language. The artists draw their inspiration from nature but the subjects are not portrayed in a completely realistic manner. The rocks and vegetation depicted in their paintings are being injected with life, bringing us to a new realm which is out of this world.

Spring – Tay Bak Chiang
Tay Bak Chiang’s artworks are lucid and ethereal. They radiate a poetic touch akin to the poise and elegance displayed by swordsman from Chinese novels. A closer look at his paintings reveals the impeccable combination of the artist’s patience and his delicate technical skills. Stroke by stroke, layer upon layer, ink is applied unintentionally leaving the effect of age on the surface. With the company of flowers and fluttering birds, his works are filled with tinges of the awakening spring where life returns back on earth.

Summer – Sherman Lin
Having a vast multicultural background, broadened artistic horizon and enriched life experiences, Sherman Lin reveals an overflowing expression of bold and unrestrained strong ink essence in his artwork. He invites the viewer on a journey through North America’s mountains, glaciers and lakes, displayed in complete poetic confidence; depicting the vitality of summer in its full glory.

Autumn – Oh Chai Hoo
Oh Chai Hoo has always been passionate about discovering and working on the co-existing relationship between man and nature in accordance to Zen philosophy. His artworks address a deeper inner realm. Be it the forest or a stone, each is alive; each is unique in its own way, swirling and moving with the touch of varied colours, just like the dwindling autumn leaves in the season of abundance.

Winter – He Chun Ye
He Chun Ye’s artworks are subtle and elegant as they demonstrate the artist’s love for exploring life and philosophy. He is proficient in upholding a state of placidness within his work of art. The results of combining ink on different genres of paper are exquisite, showing the distinct characteristic of pigments. The intention is to bring out the subtle philosophical connotation beyond the minimalist composition, similar to the tranquility in winter where an accrued power is about to take off.

Exhibition: INKpression
Dates: 26 Jun – 06 Jul, 2014; Opening: 26 June 2014, 6 – 9pm
Venue: HaKaren Art Gallery, 19 Tanglin Road #02-43, Tanglin Shopping Center
Hours: Mon – Sat 10:30am – 06:30pm, Sun and PH 12noon – 6pm
Info: www.hakaren.com